Bozeman, Parghalava open up scholarships

USF men's basketball coach Stan Heath has two more scholarships available for next month's spring signing period, as sophomore guard Solomon Bozeman has decided to transfer and junior college guard Lasha Parghalava will not be coming to USF as once planned.

Bozeman, who started 24 games as a freshman under Robert McCullum, saw his role diminish this season, with his minutes dropping and his scoring down from 9.6 points to 5.2 as a sophomore.

"It really just wasn't a good fit. By transferring, I'll get another year of school, a year to get bigger and stronger," Bozeman said. "I think leaving was the best decision."

Bozeman said he'd considered leaving ever since redshirt freshman guard Dante Curry transferred to Georgia State in December. That's a possibility for Bozeman, who originally signed with Georgia State coach Rod Barnes when he was at Mississippi before getting a release after the Rebels' coaching change.

His father, Eric Bozeman, is head coach at Central Arkansas, but said his son wouldn't be transferring there.

"Stan's been very gracious, and Solomon had the option to stay," he said. "Solomon didn't have a great year, and I thought he played quite a bit for the year he had. He has some great possibilities for next year and has already heard from a couple of majors and a ton of midmajors."

Parghalava's decision had been anticipated since the Bulls added guard Mike Mercer, a midyear transfer from Georgia. Parghalava committed to USF in November and would have signed during the early signing period, but his paperwork was held up in his native country of Georgia in eastern Europe.

Paul Swanson, his coach at Pensacola Junior College, said Parghalava had not played as well as expected this season, and Heath had told them two weeks ago that if he had other college options, it might be best to go in another direction.

"Sash didn't have the season he wanted. Coach Heath basically said if you've got something else, they were going to have to recruit over him, that they had an opportunity to take another player," Swanson said. "Sash understood, and he's OK with it. He's a good player, but he didn't have the year he wanted."

Swanson said Hawaii and Saint Louis (with Rick Majerus) are now among the top options for Parghalava, who averaged about 13 points this season but saw his turnovers increase as defenses focused more on stopping him.

Heath now has three scholarships available for the spring signing period, with two likely going to frontcourt players to help offset the graduation of center Kentrell Gransberry. The third could stay in the backcourt, with USF in the mix for talented recruits like Jeremie Simmons of Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.

-- Gransberry, hopeful of being USF's second NBA draft pick in three seasons, has been invited to the Portsmouth Invitational, one of the league's top pre-draft showcase events next month. He'll have a chance to solidify his chances to be drafted there, with the potential to earn a spot in the league's pre-draft camp in Orlando as well. Gransberry also has signed with Joel Bell, the agent who also represents former USF center Solomon Jones, now with the Atlanta Hawks.

Comments

[Josh]

Just to clarify the Smith I was refering to was Tubby. I completely agree with you that Dean is strictly a recruiter...but I like Tubby's fundamental tactics.

Reality needs to worry about coaching Oldsmar Christian

[Reality]

I am glad I am scum, because I tell you how it is........

Some of you guys thought we were going to NYC for the BET this year......I tried to tell you that was a pipe dream....I even had them winning more games than we did......We just don't have talent, whether it be coaching or players.

[The Champ]

The offense is fine as I thought that Hipsher did a great job with what he had to work with.The problem is there needs to be better players that can not only learn it, but be able to execute and finish.

The zone by the fading Orange really didn't have much effect on USF, instead it was their man-to-man that actually caused usf problems especially in NY.

we know bozeman wasnt good, was that heath's fault? he didnt recruit him

[Ari Hinkelberger]

Josh,
I actually like Heath, I am just concerned he isn't going to get Brumbaugh.

Heath turned around a pathetic Arkansas program.. It took him about four years to really get the gears greased up... its a shame they weren't appreciative.

I'll give him some time, but the talent level at USF is pathetic. Boozemen was awful.

[Dave W]

Would elements of the Princeton offense work well if we went with a small lineup of Howard (I admit that he can pass well), Jones, Mercer, and Verdejo? Constant movement of both ball and players. It would probably take care of the Syracuse zone.

reality is scum

[reality]

Josh, you played your hand real early. I was trying to figure out who you were talking about teaching fundamentals and the name Smith........As Dean Smith was among the worst tacticians and coaches of all time, but boy could he recruit.......

When people talk about teachers or tacticians, you forget guys like Pete Carill or John Chaney, they are the true masters of doing more with less and actually coaching and instituting a system that can win regardless of talent....

[Josh]

You all are vicious... the guy is in his first year at a lousy program. I think Ari or Reality should be our coach and not Heath...they're obviously much better recruiters and I'm sure they could teach the fundamentals better than Rupp, Wooden, or even Smith. Get over yourselves! You all are probably worse athletes than those horrendous guys that USF gets to do the 3 point competitions during timeouts.

[reality]

Wow, is this how USF fan sounds when they blame UCF for blog comments. I couldnt give two you know whats about Arkansas.......I am just trying to make sure USF knows it is in the Big East- A basketball conference, and need to step up their offering.

I don't smell anything except the garbage in the Sun Dome.......

Heath must go!

[The Champ]

Seem like we may have a couple of Razorbacks fans crawling around this blog that is intended for USF fans.

Only they would make dumb*** comments like what I'm seeing lately.

I can smell a Hog from miles away.Go Indiana!

[reality]

Well I will guarantee that SHU has their pick of the litter over USF in regards to FLowers and Sutton, so I am sure Bob is not too far off in predicting that Butler has first say on Simmons.

Heath better bring in some juco's because otherwise his job is in more trouble than you guys know. he cant get any more freshman that are not going to contribute right away.

get over yourself bob, he hasnt decided yet. quit acting like you know more than people

[reality]

Bob, Don't let these people get you down with their wild speculation. Butler is a higher profile program than USF, and I can't blame the kid for going there.

[Bob]

Simmons is going to go to Butler. He visits right after his season finishes the 22nd. He has no other scheduled visits.

[The Champ]

BullsFan not trying to be funny at all, but who is this Gins you mentioned above?

[BullsFan]

I still believe that 1 to 2 more scholarships will open up in the coming weeks or month. I think USF will end up with 4-5 scholarships open for the upcoming recruiting class. I think Sutton, Goins, Brumbaugh, Gins and Simmons would make a great class by USF standards. With these additions we will be competitive in the BE ASAP. Also, gives us a good balance of JUCO's and true freshman in addition to junior Mike Mercer.

[Herman Momart]

Reality, Heath didnt go out of his way to make this thing look clean. You always say it looks bad for a caoch to give up a schollie, but it doesnt when its a new coach and the kid does not fit in the system, in fact I dont know if he would fit in on my YMCA team system. Kids understand that. The qb from Michigan has transferred due to Rich Rods arrival, Im sure he wont lose recruits for that.

Truth is im pleased we have two new scholarships, i think there are another 2 guys we could/should replace but thats wishful thinking. But good luck to Solomon.

And i have no idea how Rutgers gets an all American from a premier New Jersey high school. EVERYONE had to be recruiting him and he chooses Fred Hill and Rutgers???

[Miles Lamoureux]

I think that Heath will use 2 scholarships on big men and the other on a guard. Ajayi could have a decent year for his senior season.

[Dave W]

How drunk are you 10:47?

College accolades mean nothing in the NBA. Just ask Miles Simon, Mateen Cleaves, Dane Fife, Brandin Knight and a million others. KG has a chance, but not a big one.

you guys should think before you say stupid stuff Kg not getting drafted a guy who was one of the only players to avg a double double in conference lead it for two years and make first and second team both years and demolish 2 lottery picks and if you paid attention Jhon Gruden was at hhis last game lol The BUCS thats right NFL tight ends you guys do your homework before you say stuff

[Ari Hinkelberger]

You know whats funny Greg..

In the fall we have "Cee" says that Leavitt is the biggest bum on the planet, and in the winter and spring we have "Reality" saying that Stan Heath is boy in a men's game.

That's why I like this message board.

Where has Cee been? Shouldn't he be complaining about spring practice injuries?

hey

[Ari Hinkelberger]

Brumbaugh... Brumbaugh....Brumbaugh.

Heath should be washing his car and cleaning up after his kid.

Brumbaugh or Bust Stan.

come one buddy.

[Ken]

Two for the middle and one guard? I'm thinking we need all the (good) big guys we can find.

[mike]

you complain about him not recruiting quality players, then you complain about him dumping players, who aint worth a crap that he inherited from a coach who couldnt recruit worth a crap.

fly me to the moon reality

[Reality]

2 words, Fred Hill. He can recruit.

He can't coach, but RU will be bringing in alot of good kids.

Stan went out of his way to make this Bozeman thing look as clean as possible, because he doesnt want to continue to have Reality type people point out how he is dumping kids on scholarship......

[Ari Hinkelberger]

How does Rutgers get a McDonalds All American and USF gets some 6-1 guard from Chicago who averages 15pts 7 rebs.

fly me to the moon

[Reality]

I am sorry to bring reality to you guys. I am glad some of you are starting to get it.

If The Bulls are in the top 8 of the Big east next year, then Stan Heath needs to be
1. Named President of the US to replace the bums we have running.
2. Set in place for Sainthood.
3. Tell us all about the afterlife, because only the savior could do what some of you are thinking he can do.

At least one of these must happen.

Champ, the reason that those players were available, is because those programs only have so many spots for top-flight recruits......USF has 11 spots available.....

[mike]

i agree with dave w. we need goins, brumbaugh, and simmons

[The Champ]

Rome wasn't built in a day and USF may be a harder job.

Heath could do the near immposible and have USF in the middle to upper level of the BE next season or do as I expect and need at least three years to put a solid prgram togather.

This job is the worse college basketball in america for a reason, let's not forget that.

[The Champ]

Why didn't Florida sign Dominique Jones?

Why didn't Illinois sign Patrick Beverley?

Why didn't Louisville or Kentucky sign Chris Lofton?

Why didn't Memphis sign Tyler Smith or J.P. Prince?

Why didn't LSU sign Shane Foster or Paul Millsap?

Why didn't Virgina sign Reggie Williams?

Why did Pitt let Stefon Jackson get away?

The bottomline is there are many answers one can use, but hopfully USF can get Sutton and Gary Williams and the rest of the coaches in the area will have to think of an answer to tell their fans and media about why the guy got away.

[Dave W]

Bull Hooper- while optimism is important in building a program, you can't just ignore the fact that this team simply isn't built correctly. There is a terrible void in the middle now and the overall athleticism and strength is not even close to the Big East average.

The ideal use of these 3 scholarships would be: Goins, Brumbaugh, and Simmons. You get one guy with serious size, another with serious production, and another with great athleticism. I certainly hope that Stan is able to put them all to good use. I am confident in his reputation for recruiting, but if he swings and misses with this class, I think he's doomed (especially if Mike Mercer continues his poor behavior).

[Bull Hooper]

i got a great idea, Ari, since things are tough for you... perhaps you can figure out for yourself what i would suggest.

Also, i recommend patience for those still on the roster that havent met your expectations.

I give up on NOBODY while they're still on the roster. Some loudmouth know-it-alls who post on this board are WAY too impatient. Solomon Jones did NOT look like a stud entering his senior year- more like a bust. Terrance Leather looked terrible early in his career. they both developed into team leaders, without whom we would have been much worse off.

I will support this team unconditionally, and i will attend all home games. I crave improvement, but i set no benchmarks. No one player is the answer, and failure to get any specific player is not fatal.

If you really want the team to improve, i suggest pledging unconditional support and attendance at home games.

[Ari Hinkelberger]

Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Largo, Maryland are the same area by the way..

Largo high school is about 3 exits down from the University of Maryland.

If this kid was worth a grain of salt, Gary Williams would have already signed him.

I am starting to get impatient. Reality's comments have been wearing on me.

[Ari Hinkelberger]

Why isn't Maryland recruiting the kid from Largo???

When are we going to sign a stud. None of these guys have big stats.

When are we going to sign a guy that averaged 31 pts. 14 rebs and 9 assits.

How does RUTGERS!!! get a mac d all american, but we are happy to get some kid from Chicago who puts up 17 pts 6 rebs.

Brumbaugh is the only guy that gets us to 9-9 in the Big East.

[The Champ]

Good list Bill and I believe Greg has listed more and those are just the names he could come up with at the time.

BTW Sutton by some reports is listed at 6-11 or 7ft and around 215lbs and Goins is around 265 now.

As much as we need size I am hoping that Simmons becomes our PG for the next 2 seasons.Get him or someone like him will keep guys in their natural positions.

[Bill]

To date Greg has mentioned the following Players:

G Jeremie Simmons Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan (JC) 6-2 170

F Juan Pattillo, College of Southern Idaho (JC) 6-7 205

SF Keith Brumbaugh(Hillsborough)Tampa, FL (JC) 6-9/215

C Maurice Sutton(Largo HS)Upper Marlboro, MD 6-10/190

C Steve Goins(Curie Metropolitan HS)Chicago, IL 6-10/250

PF Gary Flowers(Chipola)Marianna, FL (JC) 6-8/205

C Teeng Akol(Our Savior New American School)Centereach, NY 6-11/210

PF Zvonko Buljan(Vincennes)Vincennes,IN (JC) 6-9/220

If we can get 3 of these guys I think we will be in good shape.

[Ari Hinkelberger]

You got Mercer playing next year. You got D. Jones... You got Verdejo.. And then you have nothing.. Nada. Zilch. Nil.

All these other guys on the team.. They are just taking up space.

Saka.
Holmes.
Aris Williams

They are all just making the electric bill higher.

We have 3 players and thats about it.

Brumbaugh is the only hope we have.

[The Champ]

Well Heath and the Bozemans have known each other for a long time, but Heath didn't recruit Soloman to Arkansas because he didn't fit well in the athletic SEC in his opinion.I was surpised that Soloman stuck around at USF when Heath was hired and even more surpised at the playing time Heath gave him during the BE season.The Bozemans are good people by all accounts and this decision made by all 3 parties was the best one each.

Overhyped Arron Holmes needs to work hard on his game and in the weight room as Heath and staff are showing some confidence in him to be the shooter off the bench for USF with Bozeman gone and not taking Parghalava.

Thank GOD that Parghalava won't be coming here to take up a scholarship that needs to go to a player that can help immediately.I questioned that decision by Heath to offer the guy when he did.I think that Heath underestimated himself, staff and the market a liitle during the early signing period.Getting Mercer was huge and with the possibility of adding a player the caliber of Simmons leaves little room for the Parghalavas of the world.USF needs shooters but the ones that can get there shot off against big or quick defenders.

[Dave W]

I kind of think that KG will be passed on, too. He could be great in the NBDL, though, and get a call-up (I'm sorry, a Gatorade call-up) mid-way through the season. Solomon was a freakish athlete, and that is what gets you drafted in the 2nd round. KG is by far a better overall player, but he is too short to be a priority pick. When teams focus on getting good players in the 2nd round, like the Celtics with Leon Powe 2 years ago and Glen Davis this year, they get solid role players. KG fits that model, hopefully someone will realize it.

As for Bozeman, this doesn't surprise me. I had high hopes for him last year, but all he can really do is run quickly and shoot. He doesn't have the penetration game we needed. It's too bad things didn't work out, I did like him. Good luck to him.

[paul wall]

I dont think KG will be drafted. he has potential to come in as a free agent or go developmental

[Astro]

Good luck to Bozeman. Hopefully he lands somewhere and graduates.